OT: Well, sort of, lawn tractors/mowers

Casey in Ky · Jul 26, 2010

My parents(both are elderly and won"t be using it, it"ll be myself and my brothers) are in need of new mower. Dad"s always bought cheaper mowers, and usually had decent service out of them, 10 to 15 years. Craftsman, Dynamark, Lowes(MTD), and the last was a Yard Machine(MTD). But the last was really a peice of crap. My brother has a newer Troybuilt(MTD) and it seems to be the same, junk.

Now they can"t afford to go buy new Deere 300x series, so that leaves buying a new MTD, American Yard Products(AYP), or a good older used mower. Thing is, since I"ve only ever had experience with the cheaper lines, and MTD use to be decent, but I"m thinking not so anymore, I don"t know squat about some better mowers. It"ll be be cutting about 3/4 to one acre every 1 to 2 weeks.

I"ve found serveral within a couple hours of the house ranging from decent looking Murray"s and Craftsmen in the $200 to $400 range, one Ariens YT-12(looks decent, especially at $350), a Deere 318(rebuilt motor, loks really good $1350),a Deere 212 (kinda rough looking, $375), a Deere LT 166 for $700(no pics), an older Simplicity(looks decent 16hp, $500), A 1992 model snapper(18hp, looks garage kept, $700), and various old Cub"s. Any suggestions? I"m kinda leaning towards maybe a good used Deere, just because of dealer support, but I"m clueless at looking at all of there diffrent models.

Thanks,

Casey

Bob - MI · Jul 26, 2010

I have a Cub Cadet 2518 that I really love.
20 hp twin Kohler, 44" 3-blade deck, cast iron hydrostatic transmission, fully servicable with zerks everywhere. Used market on Cubs has good pricing. The 2000 series is not the normal Home Depot stuff and is similar to Deere equipment costing a lot more.

Stay away from MTD mowers that have the hydrostatic drive that can't be serviced. These have throw away transmissions at $350+ a pop.

Older Ranch Kings have good transmissions but MTD stuff has plastic bushings where higher grade mowers use bronze and grease fittings.

I would look carefully at the deck to assure that it's not worn thin from sandy soil.

Haven't owned Craftsman in lots of years but I know the guys on the lawn tractor site refer to them as "Crapsman"

Look on craigslist and see what's in your area. Local dealers may have used trade-in models too.

Good luck

PeterE · Jul 26, 2010

The 318 is an excellent machine. Dual hydraulics, power steering, independent left/right brakes, mows in reverse. It may be more than your parents need if they're just mowing the lawn, but (in my opinion) it is a steal at $1,350 (does it have a mower deck). In features it compares to a new X500 or X700 series.

PeterE · Jul 26, 2010

Craftsman tractors are either AYP or MTD. The prefix on the model number indicates who built it. 247 is MTD and 917 is AYP.

Casey in Ky · Jul 26, 2010

Here's the add:

Motivated seller. John Deere 318 Lawn Tractor with a 50" mowing deck. You can't purchase a more solid, heavy duty mower - they don't make them like this anymore! The tractor has power steering, PTO, hydrostatic drive with hydralic take offs. This lawn tractor has been garage kept and maintained well. Last month, the engine was rebuilt (i.e. new valves, valve guides, all new seals and gaskets, piston rings, oil pressure switch, plugs, etc.) $1,350 obo

The add has a pic with it, mower looks like new. Also found a GT275. Here's the add with it:I have a John Deere Riding mower for sale, it is a GT 275, it is 17 horse power, it is a 48 inch cut, automatic (pedal drive), it runs and mows GREAT!! This mower looks like new. I couldn't post pics on here but I can text them to your phone. I am asking $950 OBO for the mower. Cash only

Bob - MI · Jul 26, 2010

I was going to buy a GT235 before I found the Cub. Sounds like you can't go wrong with either of these.

Bob

DaveK(IN) · Jul 26, 2010

I would jump on the 318. I bought a 316 used years ago and it has been great. Best lawn tractor ever made IMHO

ChrisLSD · Jul 26, 2010

we have a 18 year old 12.5HP/42" ranch king /MTD that has been absolutely trouble free - the front axle now has to be bolted solid instead of rocking - but put one belt on it in 18 years - still is great - had to bolt the top half of the B&S engine back to the bottom half last year after it started leaking a lot of oil......but I wouldn't be afraid to go craigslist and get another - just figure in the price of a new engine......

mine has the forward/reverse little stub lever between your knees, and a park/7 speed selector shift on the go deal for your right hane.....

ChrisLSD · Jul 26, 2010

we have a 18 year old 12.5HP/42" ranch king /MTD that has been absolutely trouble free - the front axle now has to be bolted solid instead of rocking - but put one belt on it in 18 years - still is great - had to bolt the top half of the B&S engine back to the bottom half last year after it started leaking a lot of oil......but I wouldn't be afraid to go craigslist and get another - just figure in the price of a new engine......

mine has the forward/reverse little stub lever between your knees, and a park/7 speed selector shift on the go deal for your right hane.....

Flurette Farm · Jul 26, 2010

Many of the ones you have named are now made in the same plant and built by MTD. This includes the new smaller JDs. That being said they aren't all the same as most buyers have different specifications and requirements before their name goes on.
Don't look for dealer (JD) on the newer smaller ones. Remember there is a reason that JD dealerships don't sell the little cheap ones that you can buy at Lowes or Home Dep. Good luck on your choice whatever you select.

INCase · Jul 26, 2010

Around here you can get 312, 310, 314 Wheelhorses at auction for about $500. One of the best built mowers I think. cut isn't as pretty as other brands but they last.

Kirk Grau · Jul 26, 2010

I'd be jumping on that 318 Deere if it was nearby and looked half as good as described. Everytime I find one around here (South Central PA) they want $3000 or more. They are an older machine, but really substantial. I think it should have front hydraulic hook-ups if you ever found a small loader for it.

Kirk

John M · Jul 26, 2010

Id have to wonder why the engine was rebuilt if it was well maintained. I dont know the lawn mower, but to me if the engine was rebuilt, it either wasnt maintained, olr used so much it basically wore the enigne out, and I would have to wonder if the rest of the mower is wore out as well.

PeterE · Jul 26, 2010

The 50" is best deck for the 318 in my opinion. If the sheet metal of the deck itself is in good shape then the blades and spindles can be rebuilt if that was needed.

Those machines are 25 years old now. Those little air-cooled Onans are good, but they don't last forever. If it appears that the tractor is in good shape I'd still take the 318.

rustyfarmall · Jul 26, 2010

If you don't have a lot of low hanging trees to go under, you really need to be hunting a Farmall A or B, Allis-Chalmers B or C, or similar tractor with a Woods belly mower under it. Depending on the general condition of it when you find it, you may need to spend a little more money, but once you get it up in tip-top condition, you'll never need to spend another dime except for general maintenance, and it will last you the rest of your life.

buickanddeere · Jul 26, 2010

How about the deere 165? Has the larger tires, heavier trans and a front push bar.

dhermesc · Jul 26, 2010

Agreed, nothing lasts forever and a 20+ year old Onan that got used like a 318 should be used would need a rebuild by by now.

That being said they probably spent close to the asking price if it was truly rebuilt. Those Onans are expensive to work on.

JR.Frye · Jul 26, 2010

I own a WHEEL HORSE/TORO: 46"" cut and it is a work horse, It is a hyro stat on the floor.
It is the best mower I have ever owned. But Pricy. I think new it sells for $1.800 to $2.000. I bought it a from a man and it only had 46 hours on it. and I paid $900.00 fot it because he was moving and room on the truck.Just My luck>
JR.FRYE

GRJ · Jul 26, 2010

The JD 318 is the one to buy.For that money you can't go wrong. Get It!

GRJ · Jul 26, 2010

If you don't act on my previous reply,then send me the location as I'll be there tomorrow to get it.

Bill(Wis) · Jul 26, 2010

Consumer Reports gives John Deere high marks and the LA series rates within a few points of the 300X series. The John Deere LA 165 that you buy at Lowes is the same tractor sold at the dealers. On that model, the dealer price($2549) is actually less than the Lowes price($2699). So, shop around a little. Lowes gives veterans a 10% discount. Dealer discount??? This time of year??? Probably. I'm picking up a new LA 175 this week from Lowes. ($2749-10%=$2474.10)

landlord7012 · Jul 26, 2010

Just to echo what few others say here is a link to a thread regarding John Deere LA series available at Lowes:

http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/viewit.cgi?bd=ttalk&th=879910

I have an LA 135 LE from Lowes and love it (don't really need anything bigger for my home lot). Not sure why so many insist they know what they are talking about (MTD mfg. LA series) but I have an idea...

And yes they are the same units sold at dealers. There are dealerships north and west of my hometown and they both have LA series lined up outside.

Good cutting,
Bill

JDseller · Jul 26, 2010

JOHN DEERE LA SERIES IS NOT BUILT BY MTD. John Deere built a new plant in Greenville SC. MTD built a few walk behind snow blowers for John Deere five years ago. That lasted about two years.
I don"t know how everyone KNOWS so much that is wrong. I have personally toured that plant when it opened.
If you are looking at a economy lawn tractor than the LA series is a good mower when compared to others in its class. ONE THING to remember you can get the parts at your John Deere dealer for many years.

Flurette Farm · Jul 26, 2010

Our local JD dealer doesn't want to touch a JD mower sold by Lowes or H depot. They will however gladly service one you buy from them that doesn't much resemble to one from Lowes other than its green. Why? You tell me. Is it because they don't make the money on the unit Lowes sold? I don't know. You're the salesman you tell me.

GVSII · Jul 27, 2010

I recently bought a LA105 from the local J.D. dealer.It cuts and mows very well and is the most user friendly ride on mower I've used.

OT: Well, sort of, lawn tractors/mowers

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